Introduction

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender shredded chicken with tangy barbecue sauce and crispy tater tots. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying with minimal effort.

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.)
1 cup BBQ sauce (Choose your favorite brand or flavor.)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (This cheese melts beautifully.)
1 cup frozen corn (Adds sweetness and color.)
1/2 cup diced red onion (Provides a sharp flavor.)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Enhances overall flavor.)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (Adds depth to the onion flavor.)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Adds a hint of spice.)
1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce bag, provides a crispy finish.)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (For garnish.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and stir well.
Step 4: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl and mix everything together.
Step 5: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Step 6: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use spicy BBQ sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you want a spicier, creamier finish.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with cooked beans or plant-based protein.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn works well. Use about 1 to 1 1/4 cups of fresh kernels for the best texture and sweetness.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce with sweet corn, sharp red onion, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this easy-to-make casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works best)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce bag)

Garnish

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole and achieving crispy tater tots.
Prepare the chicken: Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to mix with other ingredients and distribute evenly in the casserole.
Combine the chicken and BBQ sauce: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until the chicken is well-coated, infusing it with flavor.
Add remaining ingredients: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top to ensure they bake evenly and become crispy.
Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly underneath.
Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

You can substitute frozen corn with canned or fresh corn if preferred; just make sure it’s drained.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
Feel free to swap cheddar for pepper jack or a cheese blend for different flavors.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Ensure the tater tots are in a single layer to guarantee even crispiness.

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Meal